Market Position:
Premium luxury sedan, competing with marques like Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS.
Competitive Analysis:
The X350 XJ represented Jaguar's commitment to traditional luxury and performance with modern underpinnings, particularly its all-aluminum monocoque construction, offering a lighter and more rigid chassis than its predecessors and many competitors.
Key Features:
All-aluminum construction, refined ride quality, luxurious interior appointments, choice of powerful V8 engines, advanced (for its time) electronics and safety features.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission service, repair, diagnosis, fluid specifications, control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshaft, differential, axles, propeller shaft, CV joints.
Suspension Steering Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, power steering system, steering rack, wheel alignment.
Brake Systems:
Brake calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic lines, ABS system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, comfort features.
Body Chassis Systems:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, body repair, structural integrity, chassis lubrication, jacking points.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting guides for various systems, fault finding procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and repair for all major systems.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnose and resolve common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, tolerances for various components.
Lubrication Fluid Requirements:
Specific fluid types, viscosity grades, and capacities for engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Options Covered:
3.0L V6 (AJ-V6), 3.5L V8 (AJ-V8), 4.2L V8 (AJ-V8), 4.2L Supercharged V8 (AJ-V8).
Typical Power Output 3.0L V6:
~240 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Typical Torque Output 3.0L V6:
~221 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Typical Power Output 4.2L V8:
~300 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Typical Torque Output 4.2L V8:
~310 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm
Typical Power Output 4.2L Supercharged V8:
~400 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Typical Torque Output 4.2L Supercharged V8:
~413 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Wheelbase Standard:
119.4 inches (3,033 mm)
Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:
124.4 inches (3,160 mm)
Overall Length Standard:
197.9 inches (5,027 mm)
Overall Length Long Wheelbase:
202.9 inches (5,154 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3,700 - 4,100 lbs (1,678 - 1,860 kg) depending on engine and wheelbase.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
5,200 - 5,500 lbs (2,359 - 2,495 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not explicitly rated for all model years in all markets; generally considered to offer good protection.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Good in frontal offset tests, variable in side impact depending on equipment and year.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (optional).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (all models), active front head restraints, seatbelt pretensioners.
Infotainment System:
Touchscreen interface (from 2005MY onwards), AM/FM/CD audio system, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Alpine, Bowers & Wilkins), Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (optional).
Driver Assistance Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Automatic Headlights.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (optional on later models), voice control system (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (check specific model year and manual recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 30,000-40,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Varies by engine: 60,000 miles for V6, 100,000 miles for naturally aspirated V8, 60,000 miles for supercharged V8 (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic. (e.g., Castrol Professional OE 5W-30).
Coolant Specification:
Jaguar/Ford Premium Coolant (Orange/Pink) - Ethylene Glycol based. Concours S2 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (LF-6) or approved equivalent (e.g., Castrol Transmax Z).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Class 6 (or equivalent high-performance DOT 4) brake fluid.
Common Issues General:
Air suspension compressor failure, air spring leaks, water pump leaks (especially aluminum models), timing chain tensioner wear (early V8s), RCM (Rear Climate Module) failure, screen wash pump failure, door lock actuator issues.
Common Issues Electrical:
Wiring harness chafing, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors), battery drain issues due to parasitic draw, infotainment system glitches.
Common Issues Mechanical:
Front suspension arm bushings wear, differential whine or leaks, exhaust system corrosion.
Brand Heritage:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for building luxurious, performance-oriented grand tourers and luxury sedans, emphasizing comfort, style, and engineering.
Model Evolution X350:
The X350 generation marked a significant departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction of previous XJ models. It adopted an all-aluminum monocoque chassis, a technology pioneered by Jaguar for greater rigidity, lighter weight, and improved handling, setting a new benchmark for the XJ line.
Production Location:
Castle Bromwich Assembly, Birmingham, UK.
Production Years For X350:
2003-2009 (for the X350 designation, with the model continuing as X350/X358 until 2010).
